We Help You Legalhttp://www.wehelpyoulegal.com
Legal Document Assisting for Divorce, Bankruptcy, Living Trusts & Wills, Incorporations, Family Law and More!Thu, 27 Jul 2017 02:54:00 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=167Customer Experienceshttp://www.wehelpyoulegal.com/customer-experiences/
http://www.wehelpyoulegal.com/customer-experiences/#respondWed, 17 Jun 2015 20:39:25 +0000http://www.wehelpyoulegal.com/?p=1363Customer Service Interaction: Today, I took in a Living Trust. We reviewed the questionnaire and scheduled him for the following week. I had a notary waiting that over heard our interaction, who then wanted to inquire about LT. I had a second notary come in, who was happy to wait as I took in a […]

]]>Customer Service Interaction:
Today, I took in a Living Trust. We reviewed the questionnaire and scheduled him for the following week. I had a notary waiting that over heard our interaction, who then wanted to inquire about LT. I had a second notary come in, who was happy to wait as I took in a new deed customer. The deed client came in originally asking for help in changing her name on her escrow docs, she is newly married. I explained that I could not help with the escrow docs, I could help with the deed. Upon further conversation she needs to correct her current deed to reflect her new married name and to add her new spouse, which may help ultimately in getting the escrow docs corrected once the transfer ids recorded. She was very happy that I could help, as she didn’t know really where to go. Also, she did not expect for me to take her as a walk in and very much appreciated being seen at that moment. As we talked she was pleased to say she loved our help with her divorce service back when we were at the Vine Street office. Everything about our service help she said has been efficient. She said Carl was very helpful in the past, she regularly refers people to us and was glad to know it was family owned.

Customer Service Interaction:
We had a nice gentleman come into our Bakersfield office a while back and he choose to use our Living Trust services. He had been very pleased by the way everything was spelled out for him. He then chose to do an Estate Plan he said he did not care how much it would be knowing it was going to be a great help and much appreciated. He has experienced friends and family members going through Probate matters. He wanted his kids to be able to take everything as easy as it can be and not have to worry about them having to deal with Probate. Knowing they are going to have to mourn his death was enough that he can barely handle. He just wants it to all run as smooth as possible. Having to have found our services he was very grateful. He said he feels like a weight has been lifted off his shoulders.

Customer Service Interaction:
Customer came in to the Bakersfield office to sign response docs for custody and visitation and she was very thankful for our service as she didn’t know how to fill out the documents, nor did she have time to do it on her own. She was happy the document preparation was out of her hands.

Customer Service Interaction:
Today, a customer came in to the Arroyo Grande office and inquired about a Living Trust. The lady was a widow. She wants to make sure that her kids inherit her property without a problem. I explained to her the benefits of a Living Trust and we sat down and reviewed our questionnaires. After completing the questionnaires, she decided to contract. She did not have her deed to her property, so I offered to get a copy from a source that we have. I scheduled her a follow-up appointment for one week out. She was happy.
On 05/28, while doing an intake, the customer made a point to say that he was thankful that we were here because his situation was one that didn’t need an attorney and that he couldn’t afford one. Without the help of our services he would not have been able to get his divorce.

Customer Service Interaction:
On 05/27, I took in a response, at the end of the intake I told the customer that I would be able to have it ready for her to sign on Friday or Monday. She was very concerned by this because she needed to have it filed and served by Friday (I wasn’t aware of an emergency). So I told her not to worry, if that is when it needs to be finished by then it will be. I was able to get the documents completed that day and she came back and signed. I just received a call from her asking if I was able to get everything filed and served and I told her “Not only was I able to file it, Copies when out to her and the other party in yesterday’s mail.” Her response was “You are so efficient, I so appreciate you!)

]]>Each year in January we get flooded with customers seeking our legal services. It’s New Years Resolutions time!! Let us help with your new business venture! Consider an LLC or a Corporation. We are online and in Bakersfield, San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, Santa Maria, Arroyo Grande.

]]>New Years Resolution! Peace of Mind! Protect your family. Consider starting the process of having your Living Trust or Estate Plan completed. Let us know if you have questions or need assistance! We are in San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, Arroyo Grande, Santa Maria and Bakersfield.

]]>http://www.wehelpyoulegal.com/new-years-resolution-peace-mind/feed/0Living Trust, Estate Planning, Probatehttp://www.wehelpyoulegal.com/subject-audience-living-trust-estate-planning-probate/
http://www.wehelpyoulegal.com/subject-audience-living-trust-estate-planning-probate/#respondTue, 30 Dec 2014 06:44:43 +0000http://www.wehelpyoulegal.com/?p=1322Recently I made the decision to advertise on #knzramfm in #bakersfield. As I was waiting to meet with my representative I met a lady in the waiting room. We got to talking and after I mentioned what I did, she began to tell me a story about her situation. Basically what happened is her husband recently passed away and they didn’t have a will or a #livingtrust. This was their second marriage for both of them and he had kids from his previous relationship.

The importance of having a Living Trust, Estate Plan or Will is illustrated here I think really well. Recently I made the decision to advertise on #knzramfm in #bakersfield. As I was waiting to meet with my representative I met a lady in the waiting room. We got to talking and after I mentioned what I did, she began to tell me a story about her situation. Basically what happened is her husband recently passed away and they didn’t have a will or a #livingtrust. This was their second marriage for both of them and he had kids from his previous relationship. Let me just cut to the case, there is a nasty #probate situation brewing as I type. None of the parties agree and it is going to be expensive and complicated where there is undoubtedly going to be bad blood that will likely not be repairable. The issue is that the current wife is stating that her husband’s wish was for her to have his share of their community property and what was left of his separate property after his divorce from the first wife. And his kids are claiming that there are entitled to their father’s property. Since there was no #will or living trust to detail what exactly his wishes were and since the parties are not agreeable and an agreement is not foreseeable, this matter will end up costing the parties thousands of dollars and is about to enter the court or probate process. What people do not realize when they are alive is that they are going to pass eventually and it is better to make a simple will or some sort or writing (called a holographic will) to at an absolute minimum spell out or detail who gets what property. In the vast majority of the cases, there is not battle with family members, so they do not all go tragically wrong, but having something in place helps a great deal. Having a living trust, if property funded, by and large keeps the matter out of probate court and makes the process for the surviving heirs relatively easy as compared to the alternative. If you have questions or need help, please contact us at info@wehelpyoulegal.com or visit our website at www.wehelpyoulegal.com or visit our retail locations in #PasoRobles, #Bakersfiled, #ArroyoGrande, #SantaMaria and #SanLuisObispo

]]>http://www.wehelpyoulegal.com/subject-audience-living-trust-estate-planning-probate/feed/0Living Trust Administrationhttp://www.wehelpyoulegal.com/living-trust-administration/
http://www.wehelpyoulegal.com/living-trust-administration/#respondThu, 18 Dec 2014 02:56:32 +0000http://www.wehelpyoulegal.com/?p=1319Was in my #santamaria office wrapping up the day and in comes three potential customers. They had with them a Living Trust binder and tons of questions. It was a sister, brother and the brother's wife. The siblings father passed away years ago and their mother just recently passed away. So, they were trying to administer their trust by themselves. Apparently, they had already sold a piece of property and used realtors for the sale, but they still did not know much about what to do next with the remaining two properties and how to transfer them out of the trust and into their individual names. Luckily, I am knowledgeable at these types of matters. So, first thing is first, I need to see the last recorded #deed or last transfer document to ensure the real property was in fact funded into the trust properly. I had to do a search through #fidelitytitle and the deeds were no listed. Luckily, the sister found one of the deeds to the property and it did in fact appear to be titled into the parents' trust correctly. The second piece of property we still are not 100% sure, so the customer is going to request it from the #CountyRecorder in #sanluisobispo (I assume it will be properly titled into the trust, but we have to make sure first). As for the first property discussed, two Affidavit of Death of Trustee documents will have to be prepared in addition to a deed transferring the property from the "Successor Trustees," which happens to be the siblings as co-successor trustees, into the brother's name. It is a fair simply process, but one that can be extremely daunting if the process and procedure is not familiar. At the end, the customers were extremely happy and although I still have to prepare the documents, my fees are going to be around $400 versus probably $2000+ with an attorney (their fees vary, but tend to be much, much more than ours). Also, this is a service that #legalzoom simply does not offer and is another example of how a retail face to face document preparation service is literally the best possible legal alternative to that of an online source or through the traditional legal model of using an attorney/lawyer (#attorney #lawyer). Lastly, both siblings are going to have me prepare a #livingtrust or #estateplan for them as they see the value and time/cost savings. We have been serving the #centralcoast of #california for years and are expanding to the #centralvalley in the city of #bakersfield in January 2015. #ILoveMyJob Do not hesitate to call or email with questions.

Was in my #santamaria office wrapping up the day and in comes three potential customers. They had with them a Living Trust binder and tons of questions. It was a sister, brother and the brother’s wife. The siblings father passed away years ago and their mother just recently passed away. So, they were trying to administer their trust by themselves. Apparently, they had already sold a piece of property and used realtors for the sale, but they still did not know much about what to do next with the remaining two properties and how to transfer them out of the trust and into their individual names. Luckily, I am knowledgeable at these types of matters. So, first thing is first, I need to see the last recorded #deed or last transfer document to ensure the real property was in fact funded into the trust properly. I had to do a search through #fidelitytitle and the deeds were no listed. Luckily, the sister found one of the deeds to the property and it did in fact appear to be titled into the parents’ trust correctly. The second piece of property we still are not 100% sure, so the customer is going to request it from the #CountyRecorder in #sanluisobispo (I assume it will be properly titled into the trust, but we have to make sure first). As for the first property discussed, two Affidavit of Death of Trustee documents will have to be prepared in addition to a deed transferring the property from the “Successor Trustees,” which happens to be the siblings as co-successor trustees, into the brother’s name. It is a fair simply process, but one that can be extremely daunting if the process and procedure is not familiar. At the end, the customers were extremely happy and although I still have to prepare the documents, my fees are going to be around $400 versus probably $2000+ with an attorney (their fees vary, but tend to be much, much more than ours). Also, this is a service that #legalzoom simply does not offer and is another example of how a retail face to face document preparation service is literally the best possible legal alternative to that of an online source or through the traditional legal model of using an attorney/lawyer (#attorney #lawyer). Lastly, both siblings are going to have me prepare a #livingtrust or #estateplan for them as they see the value and time/cost savings. We have been serving the #centralcoast of #california for years and are expanding to the #centralvalley in the city of #bakersfield in January 2015. #ILoveMyJob Do not hesitate to call or email with questions.

We like to share our customer’s experiences because often other customers have questions about our legal services and getting other people’s perspectives is helpful. At our #sanluisobispo location when we were wrapping up our meeting (went over and reviewed a customer’s #estateplan), the customer told me that she had heard from a friend of hers who had a #livingtrust prepared that is was like, “pulling teeth.” I am not 100% sure what she meant by that, so I asked and she stated that her friend used #legalzoom online. I explained that #legalzoom has a good product, but that most of our customers prefer the hands on face to face service we provide, plus the cost is about the same. She further stated that, “this was so simple, painless.” We had a bit more small talk and she asked me for a few business cards as she wanted to refer her friends, one in particular that lives in #bakersfield (we are opening an office in #bakersfield in January, so it might work out). Lastly we talked about the need to keep her #livingtrust binder safe and that she should get a fire proof safe or a safety deposit box at a bank.

]]>http://www.wehelpyoulegal.com/living-trustestate-plan-customers/feed/0Happy Anniversary, Ashley!http://www.wehelpyoulegal.com/happy-anniversary-ashley/
http://www.wehelpyoulegal.com/happy-anniversary-ashley/#respondTue, 09 Dec 2014 18:39:56 +0000http://www.wehelpyoulegal.com/?p=1314Ashley, Happy Anniversary! Can’t believe it has been a year! Thanks for all your hard work and dedication! It makes a difference.

A couple came into the #sanluisobispo office and inquired about a Living Trusts and Estate Planning. Apparently, they had already visited my competition and were essentially comparing services. It appeared that they had quite a few questions written down on several sheets of paper, so I agreed to attempt to answer whatever questions they had and to hopefully earn their business. To start off, this couple is not married and is not domestic partners according to the laws of the State of California.

A couple came into the #sanluisobispo office and inquired about a Living Trusts and Estate Planning. Apparently, they had already visited my competition and were essentially comparing services. It appeared that they had quite a few questions written down on several sheets of paper, so I agreed to attempt to answer whatever questions they had and to hopefully earn their business. To start off, this couple is not married and is not domestic partners according to the laws of the State of California. Apparently, they were declared “Domestic Partners” by some city in Los Angeles, but do realize that they are not technically Domestic Partners. Therefore, if they want to have Living Trusts prepared, then they will each need one. They also had questions about if a financial account with a beneficiary listed has to be included in the Living Trust and the answer is, no. But, they can choose to list the Living Trust as the beneficiary and the trust instructions will detail how the asset will be divided. Lastly, apparently the gentleman owned a home and his girlfriend did not, so they were wondering if it would be a problem to title the house into his trust and list her as the beneficiary. The answer is, yes. They are worried that someone can contest the Living Trust and cause problem. The simple answer is, yes, someone can contest the Living Trust, but having a Living Trust listing the wishes versus not having a Living Trust is much safer. If there was no will, Living Trust or other legal instrument, the assets would go to the legal heirs through probate versus to his longtime girlfriend. They were sold on our service and apparently thought I was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. They both left my office with some information and questionnaires and promised to follow up in a week to being the process. The next steps are to return the completed questionnaires so we can prepare the documents. Once the documents are prepared, an appointment is set to thoroughly review the documents and sign. Lastly, the newly created trust must be funded with the assets, which consists of titling assets into the trust’s name and listing the assets on a property schedule. For anyone who has questions or comments, we can be visited at our offices in #pasorobles, #sanluisobispo, #arroyogrande, #santamaria and #bakersfield.

First there were legal secretaries, then there were legal assistants, paralegals, freelance paralegals, contract paralegals, independent paralegals, law clerks, and in 1998 document clerks. Today, the Business & Professions Code sets forth the requirements for paralegals, legal assistants and legal document assistants (LDAs). How is one to know the difference, know what to be, who to hire or what is going on? It is important to take a look at the evolution of all of the above titles and understand a little about the history, duties, educational requirements, legislation and background of the above professions.

Most of us are familiar with legal secretaries who typed, answered phones, kept the appointment book, billed clients, filled out forms, and generally performed all of the functions necessary to keep attorneys looking efficient and clients well-informed. Legal secretaries often performed paralegal functions as well as routine office tasks. They are a vital part of any legal team.

In the late 60’s and early 70’s, there were great increases in attorneys fees and along with that a concern about the lack of affordable attorney services for much of the general public. In response to this need, the terms “paralegal” and “legal assistant” were created. With additional educational background and practical training, these new professionals were able to work more directly with clients, assist with forms, procedures and paperwork, and free the attorney to go to court, give legal advice, set fees and make legal decisions. These persons would not only understand the practical aspects of many legal procedures but they would also understand why they were performing certain tasks because of their legal education and legal research skills. With the advent of paralegals who were paid much less than attorneys, the client could reap the benefit of the lower fees. Up to that point, many attorneys were their own paralegals.

As educational institutions developed programs for this new field, the American Bar Association got involved in the approval of programs in order to ensure quality education for paralegals. The organization also defined paralegals or legal assistants as persons who always work under the supervisions of attorneys. Thus the two terms became synonymous and interchangeable. Most professional paralegal associations now prefer the term paralegal; because it gives the professions a distinct one word term.

In the beginning, the majority of paralegals worked in law firms but since the 1970’s the field has expanded, and paralegals now work in corporations, hospitals, government agencies, banks, legal clinics and any place where there is a need for an attorney. With the proliferation of the field and so many paralegals with extensive experience in the workforce, many paralegal professionals decided on a new track called independent, freelance or contract paralegals. These persons always work under the supervision of an attorney but may work for one attorney or several firms. They pick and choose their assignments and areas of law and generally are considered experienced independent contractors although their work product is ultimately the responsibility of the contracting attorney.

At the same time, because there was no legislation or regulation of who used many of the above titles, the public became very confused and in some instances was legally harmed because of those who were calling themselves paralegals or legal assistants without any legitimate education or experience. The public was unaware of specific terms and titles and presumed anyone using any law related title had legal training and was qualified to perform many of the same functions as attorneys. In some instances, persons were led to believe an attorney was involved when in fact they were not. Some of the people offering these services directly to the public called themselves legal clerks, document clerks and other titles. While there were many good knowledgeable people assisting the public there was no recourse if a client was harmed.

As an answer to the potential harm, California enacted legislation in 1998 that set some minimum qualifications for those assisting the public, and gave a formal title to those individuals who were helping to prepare legal documents without the assistance of an attorney. Senate Bill 1418 was enacted and created the title of “legal document assistant” (LDA). This title was created to define those persons who, for compensation, help members of the public who are representing themselves in legal matters. Under the law, an LDA must be registered and bonded, and is limited to preparing documents in a ministerial manner, assisting with published documents and filing and serving documents at the direction of the client. This legislation separates out those document preparers who work independently (LDAs) as opposed to those professionals who are working under the supervision of an attorney (paralegals). Many document preparers have extensive background, knowledge and in some cases have worked as paralegals. They are not, however, working in a paralegal capacity when they prepare documents for the public. The legitimacy and viability of this profession cannot be underestimated because LDAs provide a much needed service for those who cannot otherwise afford an attorney.

In 2001 another law was enacted that better defined who could use the term “paralegal” or “legal assistant.” Business and Professional Code 6450-6456 defines a paralegal as a person who either contracts with or is employed by an attorney, law firm, corporation, government agency or other entity who performs substantial legal work under the supervision of an active member of the State Bar of California. These persons must have specific educational background and maintain continuing education credits. The law also prohibits these persons from giving legal advice, representing a client in court, setting fees, acting as runners or cappers or suggesting specific forms to clients unless they are instructed to do so by an attorney.

We Help You Legal is now in Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, Bakersfield, Arroyo Grande and Santa Maria. #bakersfield #sanluisobispo

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sue Sullivan is the Director of the ABA Approved Paralegal Program at the University of San Diego. She is former President of the American Association for Paralegal Educators (AAFPE), and has worked with the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) and the National Federation of Paralegal Associations, Inc. (NFPA) on their certification exams. She has also served on the American Bar Association’s Approval Commission for paralegal programs and currently serves as an educational consultant for the ABA’s Standing Committee on Legal Assistants.

]]>http://www.wehelpyoulegal.com/history-legal-document-assistants/feed/0﻿﻿Legal Advice (UPL) or Not?http://www.wehelpyoulegal.com/%ef%bb%bf%ef%bb%bflegal-advice-upl/
http://www.wehelpyoulegal.com/%ef%bb%bf%ef%bb%bflegal-advice-upl/#respondTue, 18 Nov 2014 03:57:09 +0000http://www.wehelpyoulegal.com/?p=1302A #LegalZoom blog recently asked the question is providing assistance with legal documents practicing law? In other words is document preparation unlicensed practice of law? It depends on your perspective I guess. There are legal scholars and attorneys that would say absolutely. And there are others in the legal community that say absolutely not.

A #LegalZoom blog recently asked the question is providing assistance with legal documents practicing law? In other words is document preparation unlicensed practice of law? It depends on your perspective I guess. There are legal scholars and attorneys that would say absolutely. And there are others in the legal community that say absolutely not. So the debate ensues. #sanluisobispo The facts are now and have been for over a decade that legal document assistants are governed by the business and professional codes. There are clearly defined parameters by which a legal document assistant must adhere to from what they can do and how and where they can market their businesses. With all that said, consumers are in favor of legal document assistance! This is evidenced by how fast the legal document assistant industry is growing. Take my company for example. We started years ago with just one location and now we have five retail offices throughout three counties in California. Plus, we have a healthy online business too. We have thousands of customers and I would say probably a 99% customer satisfaction rate. When customers contact us for a legal service, we do a very quick assessment to see if it is a fit or not. Some customers think that their matters are very simple, but they are not, so we have to refer them off to an attorney. Contrarily, some customers feel that there matter is complex, when it simply is not and after providing them with information that is publicly available; we are generally able to assist and are happy to do so. For example, a typical family law customer needs help with a simple divorce. The couple is been married for a few years and has no children and no assets and debts to divide. In this situation, there really is no need for an attorney or legal advice for that matter. This couple just needs to have their documents prepare, processed with the court and are seeking a judgment for dissolution. On the flipside, we do get customers that have children and assets and debts to divide. In that case, we do provide a lot of information to them in order for them to make their decisions. #divorce Plus, there are a ton of resources that we can give to them that enable them to make their decisions. Resources are online and actual attorneys that we are able to refer them to for advice. Most of the times, these potential customers are able to get the advice they need to be able to make decisions about their situation and continue using our document preparation service. It is a win-win all around. Customers are getting the education that they should have and need prior to making decisions about custody matters and property and asset division. And they are getting affordable and professional legal assistance to the endgame of getting their judgment for dissolution. There is no pompousness, no attitudes, no high fees…just a great serving situation taking in a welcoming and non-judgmental environment. #custody Long and short of it is that customer who use Legal Document service like mind tend to get a bargain while at the same time getting a quality legal document preparation service. When we cannot help a customer or their matter is complex, then we readily refer the customers to an attorney to get legal advice and strategy that I cannot provide. However, rarely do attorney refer to us in kind because who is going to tell a customer that does not require legal advice, “hey, you can get a near identical document preparation for a fraction of the cost.” That is not going to happen. There are legal document services and providers, such as Comstock and Wagner, Fernandez and Fernandez and At Your Service Legal and Tax in Santa Maria, but from the feedback we have been given over the years that our approach and customer service is desirable and has made the difference for many. We are happy to help at one of our offices in Paso Robles, Santa Maria, Arroyo Grande, Atascadero, Bakersfield and San Luis Obispo.